Divorce and Remarriage
Tim Conway teaches that God's design for marriage is sacred and indissoluble except in cases of sexual immorality, emphasizing the hardness of human hearts as the reason for divorce allowances.
This sermon delves into the topic of divorce as addressed in the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing the importance of righteousness surpassing that of the scribes and Pharisees. It highlights the Pharisees' focus on legalistic aspects of divorce, contrasting it with God's heart for reconciliation and faithfulness in marriage. The sermon draws parallels between human marriage and God's relationship with His people, showcasing God's unwavering commitment and call to faithfulness despite human failings.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Context of Divorce in the Sermon on the Mount
- Jesus' teaching on divorce in Matthew 5:31-32
- The Pharisees' legalistic approach to divorce
- The importance of righteousness exceeding the Pharisees
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II. The Dialogue in Matthew 19
- Pharisees question Jesus about lawful divorce
- Jesus references creation and God's original design
- Moses' concession due to hardness of heart
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III. The Meaning and Purpose of the Certificate of Divorce
- It made divorce public and irreversible
- It protected the rights and safety of the wife
- It was not a command but a concession
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IV. The Heart Attitude Behind Divorce
- Pharisees showed no concern for wives
- Legalism seeks loopholes rather than righteousness
- God desires purity of heart and faithfulness
Key Quotes
“Whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery.” — Tim Conway
“Because of your hardness of heart, Moses allowed you to divorce your wives; but from the beginning it was not so.” — Tim Conway
“What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” — Tim Conway
Application Points
- Examine your heart to ensure your righteousness exceeds mere legalism and reflects true purity.
- Honor the sacredness of marriage as God designed it, avoiding divorce except in biblically permissible cases.
- Show genuine love and concern for your spouse rather than seeking loopholes to end the marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jesus say about divorce in Matthew 5:31-32?
Jesus teaches that divorce is only permissible on the grounds of sexual immorality and that remarriage after divorce otherwise constitutes adultery.
Why did Moses allow divorce according to Jesus?
Because of the hardness of people's hearts, Moses permitted divorce as a concession, not as God's ideal.
What was the purpose of the certificate of divorce?
It made the divorce public, irreversible, and protected the woman from being unjustly accused or left without support.
How did the Pharisees view divorce?
They sought to find any reason to divorce their wives, showing little concern for their wives' well-being.
What is the key to entering the kingdom of heaven in relation to righteousness?
One's righteousness must exceed that of the scribes and Pharisees, who were outwardly moral but lacked true heart purity.